Ibanez 2018 Guitars, Basses & FX Announced

The brand-new Ibanez 2018 guitars, basses and FX have been announced today. We take a look at some of the coolest options from this new run, which also includes the Genesis Collection, previously only available in the Japanese market! Check out these great new Ibanez 2018 guitars available for pre-order now

Ibanez are one of the most innovative guitars brands on the planet, constantly striving to make their guitars better with each passing year without compromising on quality of construction, materials used or ever straying too far away from the features of past models that we’ve grown accustomed to and rely on in the studio and on stage - they innovate without alienating!

The new Ibanez 2018 guitars comprise a selection of solid and hollowbody models, bass guitars, acoustic guitars, the new genesis Collection which was previously only available in Japan until now as well as an all new Tubescreamer with Korg Nutube technology built-in. Let’s take a closer look at a few of our favourites.

Ibanez AG95QA-DBS Artcore Expressionist Semi Acoustic Guitar

First up, we have the Ibanez AG95QA-DBS Artcore Expressionist Semi Acoustic Guitar seen here in a lush Dark Brown Sunburst finish. This new model is another fine addition to the highly respected Expressionist Archtop line (AG series) and features a Quilted Ash top, back and sides with smooth maple neck that is thinner than most for added playability – ideal for jazz players and those who need the freedom to fly across the neck.

In addition, the AG95QA comes fitted with a pair of Super '58 humbucker pickups for superb tonal versatility. Whether you want to play smooth jazz, country classics or all out desert/stoner rock at high volumes, this new guitar from the Ibanez 2018 range can handle it all and everything in between.

Ibanez AZ2204-ICM AZ-Series Electric Guitar

Here, we have the Ibanez AZ2204-ICM AZ-Series Electric Guitar seen here in Ice Blue Metallic. This familiar shaped guitar features some seriously powerful appointments. Straight out of the box you have a Seymour Duncan Hyperion SSH pickup configuration to get to grips with, offering up powerful single coil tone as well as a humbucker ready to let rip from the bridge position.

There has been a focus on playability with these Ibanez 2018 guitars and that can be seen clearly via the AZ Oval C S-TECH WOOD Roasted Maple neck, which not only looks fantastic but offers up a smooth and shred-friendly playing experience. A Gotoh® T1802 tremolo bridge offers up tuning stability even after wailing on the trem and the dyna-MIX9 switching system w/Alter Switch means you can select your ideal sound in seconds. A fantastic player’s guitar designed for the professionals and guitar connoisseurs out there – you’ll appreciate the included Ibanez hardshell case too!

Ibanez AR720-BSQ, AR-Series Electric Guitar

The Ibanez AR720-BSQ, AR-Series Electric Guitar seen here in a "Bursted Smoky Quartz" finish has to be a contender for best looking guitar ever. Featuring premium grade appointments such as a pair of Super 80 "Flying Finger" Humbuckers for lush tonality and range whether you’re into metal or smooth country licks, gold hardware for added aesthetics, and even an Ibanez hard shell case to keep your guitar safe when in transit, this is a performers guitar ready to help you create the music in your head!

The AR 3pc Maple set-in neck with smooth heel is comfortable to play and allows for easy access to the higher frets too – ideal for the shredders, jazz musicians and soloists out there and the rolled frets make for comfortable chord changes and slides up the neck. A great sounding, affordable guitar.

Ibanez RGDIM6FM-CLF Iron Label

The Ibanez RGDIM6FM-CLF Iron Label seen here in Cerulean Blue Burst Flat is one of the major highlights within the Ibanez 2018 range thanks to it’s awesome hardware, fanned fret design and that gorgeous Cerulean Blue Burst Flat finish. The fanned fret design offers virtuosos the ultimate in intonation and tonal accuracy as well as the ideal finger position when playing those speedy solos.

Those in need of pure power will enjoy the Fishman Fluence Modern Humbucker Ceramic pickups in the bridge and neck position which are capable of delivering some bone crushing high gain tones, whilst the Fishman Fluence Voice Changing switch on volume control (push/pull) provides total control over your sound. And for the fans of the more menacing guitars, black hardware, an ebony fretboard and black/natural fade around the edges will surely appeal.

Ibanez S1070PBZ

Another amazing guitar in the new Cerulean Blue Burst comes in the form of the Ibanez S1070PBZ. This has been designed for the shredders out there and those who like to utilise a guitar tremolo to its full extent. The Edge-Zero II tremolo bridge with locking nut keeps your tuning intact whilst you dive bomb those notes and the DiMarzio Air Norton humbucker neck pickup, DiMarzio True Velvet single coil middle pickup and DiMarzio The Tone Zone humbucker bridge pickup provide all the tonal diversity you need. An African Mahogany body, bound Panga Panga fretboard with Mother of Pearl off-set dot inlays and Poplar Burl top ensure your guitar is not only resonant, but looks amazing too.

Ibanez SR870-ALG

The Ibanez SR870 bass pictured here in Autumn Leaf Gradation is a workhorse of a guitar ready to help the discerning bass player thump out those low notes with ease. The 5-piece Jatoba/Walnut neck is extremely comfortable to play and offers superb resonance whilst the Flamed Maple/Walnut top expertly fused with the mahogany body ensures your notes are rich and warm. The Bartolini pickups in the neck and bridge positions offer up articulation and depth. A 3-way mid frequency switch allows you to sculpt your ideal sound and the Accu-cast B500 bridge ensures your bass is resonant and in tune at all times. A great bass guitar for the working musician.

Ibanez SRMS805

For those who need the extra string to hit those super low frequencies, the Ibanez SRMS805 5 string bass is the perfect option from the new Ibanez 2018 range. Thanks to the fact it’s loaded with Bartolini pickups in the neck and bridge positions as well as a 3 band EQ and EQ bypass switch (passive tone control on treble pot), and 3-way Mid frequency switch, you’ll be able to dial in a range of different tones depending on your needs – it’s a fantastic option for players of all genres! The Poplar Burl top and Mahogany body looks and sounds fantastic too! Available in either a Brown Topaz Burst or Deep Twilight finish.

Ibanez AVNB1E-BV Acoustic Bass

The acoustic bass players out there will love the feel, resonance and sound from the brand-new Ibanez AVNB1E Acoustic Bass, pictured here in a Brown Violin Semi-Gloss finish. The Mahogany neck, back and sides ensures your guitar is warm and resonant whilst the Solid Sitka Spruce top adds the punch and articulation to make each note stand out.

Professional performers will enjoy the fact the Ibanez AVNB1E comes with a Fishman Sonicore pickup installed as well as an Ibanez AEQ-SP2 preamp with onboard tuner and balanced XLR & 1/4" outputs – this means your sound, whether you’re playing through an amplifier or PA system will accurately reflect the tonality of the bass and carry across the acoustic qualities beautifully. A great addition to any guitarists arsenal of recording and live equipment and a highlight of the Ibanez 2018 range.

Ibanez AEWC400-TKS Electro Acoustic

The Ibanez AEWC400 electro acoustic guitar has been specially designed for a more comfortable playing experience and features a more ergonomic body. This means you can sit and play comfortably for longer – what’s not to like about that?! A Flamed maple top, back and sides with rosewood fretboard and mahogany neck offer up lush resonance whilst the shallow body depth provides a snappy and articulate acoustic tone. The Fishman Sonicore pickup provides an accurate representation of your guitar whether you’re running it through an amplifier or PA system and the Ibanez AEQ-SP2 preamp with onboard tuner and balanced XLR & 1/4" outputs ensure a professional sound every time. The Transparent Black Sunburst High Gloss finish is a dream to look at fitting of the sonic quality of the guitar.

Ibanez RG550-DY Genesis Collection

The Ibanez 2018 range of guitars also features a selection of very important guests to the roster – the Genesis Collection. The addition of the coveted Ibanez Genesis Collection will be appreciated by Ibanez fans all over the world as these sought-after guitars were previously only ever available in Japan. These coveted models are now available in the UK for a limited time, kicking off with the Ibanez RG550 pictured here in Desert Sun Yellow.

This beautiful guitar, which is also available in Purple Neon as well as Road Flare Red, features a Super Wizard 5pc Maple/Walnut neck for complete comfort whilst playing as well as an extremely resonant Basswood body and Maple fretboard for added snap. You also have a V7 (H) neck pickup, S1 (S) middle pickup and V8 (H) bridge pickup for a world of tonal options and an edge Tremolo bridge with locking nut so divebombs won’t be an issue. An affordable guitar made for the discerning shredders out there.

Ibanez Nu Tubescreamer NTS

Finally, we have the all new, Ibanez Nu Tubescreamer NTS – an absolute must-have for fans of the Tubescreamer sound. This nifty guitar effects pedal features built-in KORG Nutube technology which not only pushes your existing tubes into overdrive, but provides players with the option to push valve technology into their solid-state amplifier or recording device and achieve those screaming tube sounds instantly.

In addition, if you are already running a valve amp, this adds an extra layer of valve pre-amp technology, effectively saturating your tubes within your amp to create a simply stunning distorted and overdriven tone that is smooth yet extremely powerful. You have complete control over your sound thanks to Drive, Tone, Level and Mix controls and the true bypass design ensures your tone is not coloured when the pedal is not in use – a fantastic pedal that blues and hard rock players will surely love.